After a shoulder dislocation, bicep pain is a common symptom often caused by damage to the biceps tendon due to the instability of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder dislocations can lead to instability, meaning the "ball" part of the joint moves excessively within the "socket." This added movement can affect nearby structures, particularly the biceps tendon which runs through or near the shoulder joint.
The Link Between Shoulder Dislocation and Bicep Pain
The primary reason you might experience bicep pain after a shoulder dislocation is due to the mechanical stress placed on the biceps tendon. As highlighted in the reference, the added movement of the ball within the socket (instability) can cause damage to the nearby biceps tendon, leading to secondary biceps tendonitis.
This means the instability caused by the dislocation directly impacts the biceps tendon, leading to inflammation or irritation, a condition known as tendonitis.
What is Biceps Tendonitis?
Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the long head of the biceps tendon. This tendon connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder blade. When this tendon becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause pain in the front of the shoulder and sometimes radiate down the arm towards the bicep muscle itself.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Pain in the Bicep | Often felt in the front of the shoulder/arm. |
| Tenderness | Pain upon touching the area. |
| Aching Sensation | A dull, persistent ache. |
| Weakness | Difficulty lifting or carrying objects. |
Understanding the Mechanism
When the shoulder dislocates, the complex arrangement of ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the joint is disrupted. Even after the joint is put back into place, the resulting instability can persist. This instability allows for abnormal motion between the bones.
The biceps tendon is vulnerable because it passes through a groove in the humerus (upper arm bone) near the shoulder joint. The excessive or abnormal movement caused by the shoulder instability can repeatedly rub, compress, or stretch the biceps tendon, leading to microscopic tears and inflammation (tendonitis).
Key takeaway: The shoulder instability post-dislocation directly irritates and potentially damages the biceps tendon, resulting in pain.
Experiencing bicep pain after a shoulder dislocation is a sign that the biceps tendon may have been affected by the injury and the resulting joint instability.
